Coastal Development Plans

In 2001, Lake County leaders realized the need for a county-wide assessment of the Lake Erie shoreline in order to provide a better understanding of threats to, and opportunities for, the lakefront. The Lake County Planning Commission was charged with completing the study, and to carry out the task it formed the Lake County Coastal Planning Committee (LCCPC), which represented waterfront and non-waterfront communities, businesses, and organizations with a vested interest in maintaining the shoreline. Through community meetings and discussions, the LCCPC identified priority projects for consideration.

The Planning Commission released the Lake County Coastal Development Plan in 2005. The Plan outlined the overall coastal environment in terms of physical conditions and land use, provided a framework for addressing each of the identified issues and opportunities, and served as a summary of the public’s input, all of which provided the blueprint for waterfront projects that would serve as economic catalysts for Lake County.

In 2006, the follow-up Landside Communities Conceptual Master Plan was completed to provide a framework for leveraging the investments in the Coastal Development Plan with compatible development and public amenities for the lakefront communities. The goal was to enhance the quality of life for all residents and to strengthen Lake County’s tourism economy, fully capitalizing on the abundance of natural and cultural assets in the area.

When the Port Authority was created in 2007, it was tasked with implementing these plans, and Lake County has already seen significant progress. These developments not only improve the quality of life for residents, but also help to attract and retain the talent needed to ensure that Lake County has the workforce of tomorrow. These developments will also facilitate new private-sector investment along Lake Erie that will add to Lake County's economic strength.

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The Lake County Ohio Port and Economic Development Authority staff will be happy to assist in any way possible. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us today and we will be happy to serve you.